Vada pav, a quintessential street food in Mumbai, is not just a snack but a way of life. This iconic dish has won the hearts and taste buds of Mumbaikars and tourists alike. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, vada pav has become a symbol of the city’s rich culture and heritage. In this article, we take you on a journey to explore the best vada pav stalls in Mumbai, giving you an insight into the history, variations, and must-try recommendations. So buckle up and get ready for a delicious adventure!
History of Vada Pav: From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Status
The humble vada pav has an interesting origin story that dates back to the 1960s. It was invented by Ashok Vaidya, a snack vendor in Dadar, who wanted to create an affordable meal for factory workers. He came up with the idea of using mashed potatoes and spices to make a patty, which he deep-fried and served between two slices of soft bread. The result was a filling and tasty snack that quickly gained popularity among the working class. Over the years, vada pav stalls popped up all over the city, making it a go-to street food for Mumbaikars.
Variations of Vada Pav: A Twist on the Classic Recipe
As vada pav gained popularity, different variations of the classic recipe started to emerge. While the traditional vada pav consists of a potato patty, there are many other versions that cater to different taste preferences. Some popular variations include:
- Schezwan Vada Pav: This spicy version of vada pav originated in Mumbai’s Chinatown and is a favorite among those who love heat in their food. Schezwan sauce is added to the potato mixture, giving the vada a tangy and fiery kick.
- Cheese Vada Pav: For cheese lovers, this version of vada pav is a must-try. Melted cheese is added to the potato patty and served with a slice of cheese on top. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the snack.
- Paneer Vada Pav: This variation uses paneer (cottage cheese) instead of potatoes for the patty. It is a popular choice among vegetarians who want a change from the usual potato vada.
- Chicken Vada Pav: For non-vegetarians, chicken vada pav is a delicious and satisfying alternative. Minced chicken is used in the patty, giving it a meaty and flavorful twist.
5 Must-Try Vada Pav Stalls in Mumbai
Mumbai is home to hundreds of vada pav stalls, each with its unique taste and following. Here are five must-visit vada pav stalls that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
1. Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar
The stall that started it all, Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar is a must-visit for anyone wanting to try the original vada pav. The stall still follows the same recipe created by Ashok Vaidya, making it a hot spot for vada pav lovers. The stall is open 24/7, making it a perfect late-night snack spot.
How to Get There: Take a train or bus to Dadar station and ask for directions to Kirti College. The stall is right outside the college.
Price: ₹20 per vada pav
Must-Try: The classic vada pav and the cheese vada pav.
2. Anand Vada Pav, Vile Parle
Located near the famous Mithibai College, Anand Vada Pav is a favorite among college students and locals alike. The stall has been around for over four decades and has maintained its quality and taste through the years. The vadas here are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and have the perfect balance of spices.
How to Get There: Take a train or bus to Vile Parle East and ask for directions to Mithibai College. The stall is situated near the college’s entrance.
Price: ₹15 per vada pav
Must-Try: The paneer vada pav and the schezwan vada pav.
3. Kirti College Vada Pav, Dadar
Kirti College Vada Pav in Dadar is another iconic stall that has been serving delicious vada pavs for over five decades. This stall is known for its large and fluffy vadas, which are served piping hot with a generous amount of chutney. The stall is located near Kirti College and is a popular spot for students and office-goers.
How to Get There: Take a train or bus to Dadar station and ask for directions to Kirti College. The stall is located near the college’s entrance.
Price: ₹20 per vada pav
Must-Try: The classic vada pav and the chicken vada pav.
4. Ashok Vadapav, Thane
This vada pav stall in Thane is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. However, locals swear by the delicious vada pavs served here. The stall is known for its unique variations of the classic vada pav, such as butter garlic vada pav and Jain vada pav (without onions and garlic). The stall also serves up some lip-smacking chutneys that elevate the taste of the vadas.
How to Get There: Take a train or bus to Thane station and ask for directions to Kopri. The stall is located near the Kopri bridge.
Price: ₹18 per vada pav
Must-Try: The butter garlic vada pav and the Jain vada pav.
5. Jumbo Vada Pav, Andheri
True to its name, Jumbo Vada Pav in Andheri serves up giant-sized vadas that are not only delicious but also filling. The stall has gained a cult following for its unique combinations of chutneys, which are made in-house. The stall also offers a wide variety of vada pav flavors, such as cheese, paneer, chicken, and more.
How to Get There: Take a train or bus to Andheri station and ask for directions to Lokhandwala Market. The stall is situated near the market.
Price: ₹25 per vada pav
Must-Try: The jumbo vada pav and the chocolate vada pav (yes, you read it right!)
Tips for Exploring Mumbai’s Vada Pav Stalls
- Try different chutneys: Every vada pav stall has its unique chutney recipe, so don’t be afraid to try them all. Some stalls even offer a variety of chutneys to choose from, so make sure to experiment.
- Ask for recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the stall owners for their recommendations. They know their vada pavs best and can suggest flavors that you might not have tried before.
- Go beyond the classic vada pav: While the classic vada pav is undoubtedly delicious, don’t shy away from trying different variations. Who knows, you might find a new favorite!
- Pair it with chai: Vada pav and chai (tea) go hand in hand in Mumbai. So when you’re exploring vada pav stalls, make sure to pair your snack with a cup of hot chai for the full experience.
FAQs About Mumbai’s Vada Pav Stalls
Q1. Is vada pav a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish?
A1. The classic vada pav is a vegetarian dish made with potatoes and spices. However, many stalls now offer non-vegetarian variations such as chicken and egg vada pavs.
Q2. How much does a vada pav cost in Mumbai?
A2. The price of a vada pav can vary between ₹10 to ₹50 depending on the location and type of vada pav (classic or variation).
Q3. Can I find vada pav stalls in other cities besides Mumbai?
A3. While vada pav is synonymous with Mumbai, you can also find it in other cities in Maharashtra, such as Pune and Nagpur. Some states like Gujarat and Karnataka also have their versions of vada pav.
Q4. Are vada pavs healthy to eat?
A4. It is a popular street food, so it’s not the healthiest option. However, if eaten in moderation, vada pav can be a tasty and satisfying snack.
Q5. What is the best time to visit vada pav stalls in Mumbai?
A5. Vada pav stalls are open throughout the day, but the best time to visit them is during the evenings when they are freshly made and served hot.
In Conclusion: A Delicious Journey Awaits
In this article, we’ve explored the history, variations, must-try recommendations, and tips for exploring Mumbai’s vada pav stalls. From its humble beginnings to becoming an iconic street food, vada pav has truly won over the hearts of Mumbaikars. So the next time you’re in the city, make sure to embark on a delicious adventure and explore the best vada pav stalls that Mumbai has to offer.
